We enjoyed a fun hawk watch kickoff field trip at Turkey Point (Elk Neck SP)
yesterday, led by Sean McCandless. In addition to an assortment of warblers
and other migrants, we had long looks at a curious Yellow-billed Cuckoo that
perched in the open on a low, bare limb, with its neck craned and head
cocked, staring at something on the ground that it pounced on after several
minutes. Raptors were present, but all were hunting or just goofing around.
Highlights included an immature Red-shouldered Hawk that swooped down on
some foraging American Crows in the hawk watch meadow, an immature Cooper's
Hawk that tried to catch a Downy Woodpecker but only grabbed a few leaves,
and a pair of adult Bald Eagles that chased one another. We also has
eye-level views of two Ospreys that circled around the point.

 

The lighthouse trail fared pretty well after the hurricane. A few trees are
down, and the path is a little washed out, but nothing like it was after
Isabel. Unfortunately, the snag near the picnic tables is one of the
casualties. This snag was always a good spot to view Flickers, Bluebirds,
and the occasional Merlin. It's hanging down in the shrubbery now.

 

If you would like to help out at the hawk watch this year, please send me an
email (do not reply to the whole list). I especially need an observer this
month on Saturday the 17th and Sunday the 25th.

 

Hope to see you at Turkey Point!

 

Pat Valdata

Elkton

 





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